Cinema, music, opera, books, television, theater

Caldecott Medal Contender: Firefly July

Children’s picture book artist extraordinaire Melissa Sweet has illustrated nearly a hundred books in a prolific career, but the last few years she has come into her own in spectacular fashion. In 2008 she won a Caldecott Honor for her arresting mixed-media collages in the sublime picture book biography of poet William Carlos Williams, A River of Words, written by Jennider Bryant.She won the 2012 Siebert Medal for her intricate and impeccably-researched Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade, which profiled Tony Sarg and the celebrated helium balloons synonymous with the famed department store’s festive event. She soon teamed up with Bryant again for another ravishing biography, A Splash of Red, which lovingly chronicled the inspirational life and work of the painter Horace Pippin. In that book the artist used watercolor and gouache to stunning effect. In 2014 she showed herself to be at the peak of her powers with two masterpieces – another biographical collaboration with Bryant on Peter Mark Roget, the father of the thesaurus, titled The Right Word, and earlier in the year, a partnership with the poet Paul B. Janeczko that yielded one of the most spectacular and lyrical picture books in years.

Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems is not a collection of Janeczko’s poems, but rather an inspired selection of verse by such titans as the aforementioned William Carlos Williams, Emily Dickinson, Carl Sandburg, Robert Frost, Richard Wright and beloved children’s lit verse queen Joyce Sidman. Lessser known poets comprise the rest of the content, but here is where Janeczko comes in. He has done an extraordinary job in bringing together some of the best work from the more obscure poets, work that helps to define the seasonal classifications that divide without “chapter stops” Spring, summer, fall and winter. But the vital consideration is the brevity of the 36 pieces, which after all are aimed at the younger kids, who are instinctively alienated by extended verse. The best way to instill an appreciation for verse is to make sure the verse is spare and to the point. To that end Janeczko’s scrutiny is uncanny, with an economical collection that allows the fullest extent of his extraordinarily gifted illustrator to expand her space constrictions, and expand her tapestries. In the first section on spring, this can be seen in full glory with the poem “In Passing” by Gerald Jonas, when the back of a dumpy red pickup truck is inhabited by old floor fans that literally define ‘abstract in motion.’ An enlarged pink water lily and a gull carrying a fish head are visually arresting, as is the magnificent double page spread of an orange cat that Charlotte Zolotow likens to a small tiger moving along in the sublime company of “white daisies and shining buttercups.” Later, the sun, the moon and a seemingly over sized cat drinking milk appear as objects in a land of giants, though the large silver spoon denoting Bruce Balan’s glorious metaphor, and the lofty branch-less trees with the word winter spelled across bring a certain symbolic elements to the proceedings.

In “Window” by Carl Sandberg, Sweet offers up one of her most spectacular designs of a railroad car’s view of a rural landscape seen through well over a dozen window panes. The colorful sectioned boat and the tops of skyscrapers bring a varied pallet to compromised visibility, and snow – omnipresent during the time of short days and gathering crows – evokes a certain Robert Frost poem about woods that are “lovely, dark and deep.” One of Sweet’s starkest images is the red fence with a particular vertical contour.

Firefly July in the end is a work of visual interpretation. From that spectacular cover with the enlarged letters designed with colors of seasonal temperament standing imposingly over pencil sketches of some of the illustrator’s more indelible images engraved in watercolor, gauche and mixed media, this is picture book of remarkable stylistic and artistic unity that showcases the diversity and sense of place set across the four seasons. Abstract, sensory and in stream of consciousness mode the book is a kind of friendly rebuke to John Updike and Trina Schart Hyman’s far more measured and traditional A Child’s Calendar. The strokes in Ms. Sweet’s art echo the impressionistic verse of the many poets Janeczko has invited to a party thrown for Mother Nature, who has come wearing her most beautiful clothing. Firefly July is one of the most ravishing picture books of this or any year.

Note: This is the second entry in the 2014 Caldecott Medal Contender series. The series does not purport to predict what the committee will choose, rather it attempts to gauge what the writer feels should be in the running. In most instances the books that are featured in the series have been touted as contenders in various online round-ups, but for the ones that are not, the inclusions are a humble plea to the committee for consideration. It is anticipated the series will include between 20 and 25 titles; the order which they are being presented in is arbitrary, as every book in this series is a contender. This is the first of two books illustrated by Ms. Sweet that will be appearing in this Caldecott Contender series.

Advertisements

Share this:

Like this:

18 Responses

This book is a real visual feast, Sam. I have seen Balloons over Broadway and A Splash of Red. Sweet’s work is unique in that it can never be confused with another artist. It is easy to see why this is a front runner. Your terrific review does it full justice and then some.

Aye Frank, I just said as much to John (below) in slightly different words. If you have seen Balloons and Splash well then you know Ms. Sweet’s singular style. This year I do believe she reached the top of Mt. Everest with two stupendous releases. Thanks so much for the very kind words my friend.

My start up on FB has impacted my appearances at the site. But I am resolved to reverse that trend. “Firefly July” is an exquisite book, and Melissa Sweet is a major talent. I loved all the winter paintings, but truth be said the entire book is beautiful. Bravo on another passionate and authoritative review. I can see why you are seeing it as one of the finalists.

Aye Peter, I did figure as much. FB is an addiction, but I must say I am having a ball there for all sorts of reasons. Agreed on both contentions, and yes I do see this book as one of the very best of the year. It would be a cinch for one of the medals if it weren’t for Melissa Sweet’s biggest opposition…..which is……Melissa Sweet!!! Ha! Her other book is a brilliant and sublime showcase of miniature. Thanks again my friend!

Sam, I just now discovered you had begun writing the Caldecott series. I will look in on the first entry in minutes. Anyway, I did state on a previous thread that I am crazy for Melissa Sweet’s illustrations. This book could be her greatest one yet. I agree that Window is stunning, I do love the Water Lilly as you do, and the orange cat is rapturous.

I have seen both of Sweet’s books, and wouldn’t want to choose one over the other. The compiler is a major force in the book’s appeal. As usual your writing is wonderful.

Hello Celeste! I was going to e mail you after the review of GALAPAGOS GEORGE posted, but I didn’t want to come off as pushy. I do know you are a big fan of Melissa Sweet’s art, and much appreciate your scene-specific reflections. Yes that water lily is a stunner for sure. Somehow the voters will have to choose, if indeed that plan on giving Ms. Sweet the gold or one of the silvers, but as you note it won’t be easy! Thanks so much for the kind words my friend!

Laurie—-I did think of you and smiled when I pondered what you would be thinking of this particular book. It does have your name written on it for sure. I remember how smitten you were last year with Melissa Sweet’s ravishing illustrations in the biography on Horace Pippin, A SPLASH OF RED, and I am just as confident that you will be over the moon with the other Sweet book that I will be reviewing a few weeks from now on Roget of thesaurus fame. I can never thank you enough for all you have done to keep the enthusiasm rolling for this series, and for your links and promotion my friend. Thank you!

This is an enthralling review that had me hanging with every word. Lush and lyrical, these are paintings that evoke a mood, and what you say – “a sense of place.” I am seriously tempted to place an order for this book. I am that impressed.

Well I thank you kindly Tim. Yes the book is absolutely “lush and lyrical” and it does evoke a mood. If you do order it, I can assure you that you won’t be sorry. Look forward to comparing notes. Thanks again my friend!

What a fetching partnership of painting and poetry here, Sam! Vignettes requiring a slow pace and lots of time. And small animals so well captured as being ever-alert. You have a great knack of spotting exceptional talent in this field!

Jim—–I love the way you frame the two elements in your fabulous first sentence!!! Ha! True too what you say about the vignettes being a painstaking process. I must appreciate your confidence in my brown eyes, though I know the extent of my enthusiasm comes down in some measure to personal taste. However Melissa Sweet’s art does not appear to have any detractors at all. Thanks again my great friend!

All the words in your review are perfectly chosen and planted in our minds like the flowers in Monet’s garden. YOU are an insightful, heartfelt reviewer. I love this. Thank you. You know how I feel about Melissa’s work.

Thanks so much for that Sharon!! Melissa Sweet’s art in FIREFLY JULY is inspiring with the beholder. In 2014 she has taken the form to new heights, and I am deeply grateful that you and I are firmly standing on the same ground. Can’t thank you enough my friend!

Top Clicks

Wonders in the Dark is a blog dedicated to the arts, especially film, theatre and music. An open forum is highly encouraged, as the site proctors are usually ready and able to engage with ongoing conversation.